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Excerpt: "“I am extremely pleased to expand our existing newborn screening program to ensure the early detection of even more conditions, including cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia,” said the Minister. “It will also mean better support and follow-up service will be in place for the improved health of Island children.”"

Presented by Kerry McCuaig, Success by Six conference, November 27, 2014, Victoria, British Columbia.

Excerpt: "Why is this work so important? First, it pulls back the curtain on which provinces and territories are making progress and how each needs to progress further to seize the social and economic benefits of quality early childhood education for the nation’s children. This recent edition of the “index” idea, released by Mrs. McCain, reveals a good deal of progress by the provinces with much more to do. Despite increased investments by provincial governments, far too many children are still denied access to pre-school with countries as disparate as Mexico and the UK doing far better than Canada. Overall, this kind of accountability reporting is about evidence-based decision making."

Excerpt: "“Our government has been building one of the best early learning and child-care systems in Canada. Today, I am happy to announce our government is continuing to build on that system by supporting a child-care expansion of up to 6,000 sq. ft. at Harrow School,” said Bjornson. “Early childhood education is critical for laying the foundation for Manitoba’s children to get a good start in life and child care gives parents the option to go back to work or return to school.”"

There are six key differences in the new act from the existing legislation. They are: The definitions of a “child care service” and a “child care provider” have been clarified and strengthened to outline specific exemptions to each definition; The capacity limit on a regulated child care licence has been removed which allows licensees to determine the scope of their service but does not impact quality of service for children; An appeals process for a licensing decision has been defined; The Minister, rather than the Lieutenant Governor in Council, will now appoint the Provincial Director of Child Care. The normal public service competition process will apply to that position; Regional managers will not be appointed as inspectors, providing transparency in the inspection process; and A statutory review will be required every five years, including a public consultation.

Several members of university community see “fundamental” shift in role of capital at U of T.

Excerpt: "Manitoba Government Introduces Important Legislation that Would Help Students Succeed in Early Years. The Manitoba government is investing $10 million this year and 64 per cent of classes have met the target of 20 students or fewer, Minister Bjornson said. Under the proposed legislation, Manitoba parents would also be able to go online to see class size number in kindergarten to Grade 3 in every school."

Excerpt: "Having access to quality and affordable child care is essential for parents returning to work, pursuing higher education, or looking for their first job. Working together with parents, communities and child care workers, Manitoba has built one of the best early learning and child care systems in Canada – with over 14,000 newly funded spaces, over 100 new and expanded child care centres, and the lowest fees in Canada outside Quebec."

Excerpt: "Le premier ministre du Québec, M. Philippe Couillard, et la ministre de la Famille, ministre responsable des Aînés et ministre responsable de la Lutte contre l’intimidation, Mme Francine Charbonneau, ont annoncé aujourd’hui l’intention du gouvernement du Québec de moderniser le programme des services de garde éducatifs à l’enfance subventionnés."

Excerpt: "One of Ontario's greatest strengths is its people's talents and skills. Highlights of the government's investments in people include: Completing the rollout of full-day kindergarten and investing in child care modernization so that every child has the best start in life."

Excerpt: "Families in 28 communities throughout B.C. will benefit from 1,006 new licensed child-care spaces, announced Children and Family Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux and Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad today at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre."

Presented by Bernice Cipparrone and Kerry McCuaig, November 17, 2014, Toronto, Ontario.

The Atkinson Centre supports the general directions of the proposed legislation. It encourages swift action to curtail illegal child care provision. The role of the local system services manager is appropriately heightened but would benefit from additional tools. Expanding the mandate of school boards to secure programming for children to age 12 is essential. Attention must be paid the children with special needs. Changes to ratios in licensed family and group care should be put on hold and addressed as part of a full regulatory review.